Sterile pyuria

Sterile Pyuria is a medical condition characterized by the presence of leukocytes, or white blood cells, in the urine without the presence of bacteria. This condition is often a diagnostic challenge as it can be indicative of various underlying diseases or conditions.

Definition[edit | edit source]

Sterile Pyuria is defined as the presence of more than 10 white blood cells per high power field in the urine sediment from a patient with negative urine culture. This condition is often discovered during a routine urinalysis.

Causes[edit | edit source]

There are several potential causes of sterile pyuria. These include:

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) that are caused by bacteria that cannot be cultured using standard techniques.
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.
Interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition causing bladder pressure and pain.
Tuberculosis of the urinary tract.
Kidney stones.
Certain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and some antibiotics.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of sterile pyuria is made by performing a urinalysis and urine culture. If the urinalysis shows the presence of white blood cells but the urine culture is negative, a diagnosis of sterile pyuria may be made. Further diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the underlying cause.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

The treatment of sterile pyuria depends on the underlying cause. If an infection is identified, appropriate antibiotics will be prescribed. If the cause is a medication, the medication may need to be discontinued or changed.